Marlins hire Bowers as business ops president

MIAMI -- The Marlins finalized the top of their organizational ladder on Monday, announcing the hiring of Chip Bowers as president of business operations.

Bowers joins the Marlins after serving the last five seasons as chief marketing officer for the defending NBA-champion Golden State Warriors. He will report directly to Miami's chief executive officer, Derek Jeter.

MIAMI -- The Marlins finalized the top of their organizational ladder on Monday, announcing the hiring of Chip Bowers as president of business operations.

Bowers joins the Marlins after serving the last five seasons as chief marketing officer for the defending NBA-champion Golden State Warriors. He will report directly to Miami's chief executive officer, Derek Jeter.

"Our goal is to operate a first-class organization with first-class individuals," Jeter said in a statement. "Chip brings an immense breadth of experience, working in outstanding organizations which have achieved success both on and off the field or court of play. He is a proven leader who truly understands community and corporate partnership and client service."

The Marlins open Spring Training with pitchers and catchers' workouts on Wednesday, and Bowers rounds out the upper tier of the business side of the organization.

In early October, the group led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter purchased the Marlins from Jeffrey Loria. As part of the transition, new ownership didn't retain former team president David Samson.

Bowers' role essentially replaces Samson, although the responsibilities aren't entirely the same.

"I am honored and thrilled to be joining Bruce Sherman, Derek Jeter and the Miami Marlins organization," Bowers said in a statement. "This organization's leadership and commitment to building sustainable success, with a focus on re-engaging their corporate and community partners, made this a very easy decision. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working diligently to deliver a championship-caliber experience of which South Florida can be proud."

With the Warriors, Bowers oversaw all marketing channels and brand development, corporate partnership sales and services efforts, and broadcasting.

In his tenure at Golden State, the Warriors were named the SportsBusiness Journal's Sports Team of the Year in 2014 and 2016.

Bowers recently was instrumental in the signing of significant new sponsorship agreements for the Warriors' new arena, the Chase Center, including naming rights.

The Marlins are in the process of finding a naming-rights partner for Marlins Park, which has not had a sponsorship name attached to it since opening in 2012.

Another prominent issue at the forefront for the organization is negotiating a new local television contract.

The Marlins agreement with Fox Sports Florida runs through 2020, and the team reportedly receives about $20 million a year.

Earlier in his career, Bowers has had ties to the state of Florida and has worked for an MLB club. Bowers has worked for the NBA's Orlando Magic, and has been a sales executive with the Padres.